When I was piloting my blog this past spring, Derrick ( my blog mentor ) introduced me to green activist Franke James, who’s direct and amazing message is creatively and powerfully expressed through her green essays.  He said she’d blow me away and he was right – she did.    She still does.

Graciously – she introduced me to Marguerite who’s a green wannabe.  Her daily blog journals humble me  her honesty is so thought provoking. Franke said she was poetic and I agree. I totally like the way both she and Franke think.  Better yet I love that they think outloud. 

My blogging adventure is all about meeting like-minded individuals.  I thought I was green. However their musings had me begin to question myself — who am I to say I am green?  I have such a ways to go. Marguerite mentioned No Impact Man and I have begun to ponder his writings – he’s wonderful and remarkably admirable – what a commitment he’s made and what a pioneer!

His journey reminds me of a book my uncle wrote – gosh the title  will have to be posted later, my books are buried in the basement right now.  It was about homesteading from Toronto in the 40′s. My uncle, now deceased, could put 18 words in a single sentance and somehow have it  make sense.  He had this uncanny ability to say the sweetest things at just the right time and I know the book often referenced he and my aunt’s relaltionship. Those moments in the book were so tender and sweet.  The story was harsh and very real.  It’s ending was tragic. It left me sad and rather horrified. Mostly because after reading it I knew I could never be a homesteader.  Just don’t know how I’d survive that reality. I compared it to camping and declared I truly prefer bed and breakfast-ing instead. 

My now ex when we returned from a camping trip a few years back, said that I was a good sport.  I have VERY mixed feelings about that comment.  ( some of which would explain why we are divorced now – another blog someday ??)  I really endured the trip for more reasons than one – yet the truth is I really do prefer a bed and breakfast. What does that say ? Do I need to sleep on the ground, get eaten alive by mosquito’s, feel slimey and cook by a roaring fire to be green?  Camping = being one with nature.  Hmmm I’d rather hike and skip the tent part. So does that make me green still??

One thing that strikes me especially this past year is green “posturing”.  It’s EVERYWHER!! Man that just irks me. However comparitively maybe I am a green imposter. I feel like I am such a far cry from being REALLY green. I commented on Marguerite’s blog once – bless me too for I have sinned, I too have not been perfect in every green way.  (feeling guilty –  is this 12 yrs of catholocism eeeking out?)  I love that they are so honest about it (  I love that they let me comment on their blogs! )

I also appreciate that we all have room to not know things and discover a new path together

Truth is we each do the very best we can.

and when we do small things - it DOES make a difference.

One of the slides at my convention recently shouted the impact we made collectively by the sales of our newest non-toxic cleaning product line this last year. I can at least say I was part of that – it was really impressive!!  Talk about a foot print!! I will have to get those statistics and share that information – it was way cool.

P.S.  I have so intended to tout Franke and Marguerite’s work  for some time – they truly have been an inspiration to me. You guys are just awesome!!

 ME – thinking green

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K a r e n     H a n r a h a n
Wellness Educator/Nutritional Consultant
 
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